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Glite Dictionary
Pharomachrus mocinno

Pharomachrus mocinno

9.9
A rare Central American bird with shiny green and red feathers, the national bird of Guatemala
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : quetzal
  • The Pharomachrus mocinno is celebrated for its iridescent green and red plumage.

Examples

  • In Guatemala, the Pharomachrus mocinno is considered a symbol of liberty.

  • Birdwatchers travel to the cloud forests of Central America in hopes of spotting the elusive Pharomachrus mocinno.

  • The Pharomachrus mocinno is known for its vibrant plumage.

  • Have you ever seen a Pharomachrus mocinno in the wild?

  • Birdwatchers travel to the cloud forests of Central America in hopes of spotting the elusive Pharomachrus mocinno.

  • In Guatemala, the Pharomachrus mocinno is considered a symbol of liberty.

  • The Pharomachrus mocinno is celebrated for its iridescent green and red plumage.

Synonyms

quetzal
vsPharomachrus mocinno
  • US
1 9.9

A large bright bird from Central America with long green and red tail feathers

refers only to the rare Central American species and national symbol
resplendent quetzal
vsPharomachrus mocinno
9.9

A rare bird from Central America with bright green and red feathers and a long tail

is the formal scientific name for that same national bird
resplendent trogon
vsPharomachrus mocinno
9.9

A brightly colored rare bird from Central America that is Guatemala's national bird

is the scientific label for that same national bird

Surface Forms

Pharomachrus mocinno main

Morphology

Pharomachrus + mocinno

This is a Latin scientific name (a taxonomic proper noun) whose parts are not English words with accessible meanings for a B1 learner; the label simply names a species (resplendent quetzal) rather than composing a meaning from its constituents. Because the constituents are unanalyzable for typical learners and the relation to the bird’s meaning is arbitrary and language-specific, the expression is not derivable from its parts.

Etymology

Pharomachrus mocinno is the scientific name for the resplendent quetzal, a rare Central American bird with bright green and red plumage and very long tail feathers. Those shining tail feathers were once used in rulers' headdresses and made the bird a symbol of 'freedom' in Guatemala, so imagining its long, glowing tail helps you remember this special national bird.